In the midst of the season of giving, Blake Flores’ opinion on the subject even extends to the hockey-style sweater he recently received, the trophy of the company’s Pride of the Jersey campaign.
“It’s such a big honor to get the jersey,” he says. “But the truly inspiring part is whom to give it to next.”
Blake is manager of foodservice for Applegate, a new position focused on one of the latest companies to join Hormel Foods. He was awarded the company jersey while at a meeting with people from Princeton University. National Sales Manager Greg Hetfield had the honor of giving Blake the jersey.
“… There is no one else more deserving or competent to lead the Applegate® endeavor into the foodservice side of the business,” he said. “Blake is one of the smartest and hardest-working individuals in the business.”
Indeed, Blake has a history of keeping his eye on the prize. He was attracted to the company while finishing up his college courses. “I’ve always been interested in food and agriculture. Hormel Foods was a natural fit,” he says.
So, Blake inquired about positions and interviewed by phone, but he wasn’t hired.
He wanted to be part of Hormel Foods enough to keep trying until he got an in-person interview. That made the difference. Blake was offered the first of at least nine positions he’s now had with the company. Thirteen years later, he knows he was drawn to Hormel Foods for a reason.
“People make this a place you don’t want to leave,” he says.
